Umno Youth has cautioned that the party’s victories in the Johor and Negri Sembilan elections do not guarantee success in the next general election.
Umno Youth secretary-general Hafiz Ariffin said the party must remain vigilant as public sentiment and the political landscape could shift rapidly despite its recent electoral gains.
“We won the battles, but we have not won the war yet.
“The victories secured today never guarantee victory in the next general election,” he said while presenting the secretary-general’s report at the Umno Youth delegates’ conference here today.
The conference was attended by Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, vice-president Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and several Supreme Council members.
Also present were Umno Youth chief Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh and vice-chief Mohd Hairi Mad Shah, along with MCA Youth chief Ling Tian Soon, MIC Youth chief Arvind Krishnan and PAS Youth chief Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden.
Hafiz called on Umno Youth’s election machinery to begin preparations early by understanding voters, assessing the electoral landscape and addressing weaknesses within the organisation.
“We must understand the electoral terrain, know our voters and recognise our strengths. We must also be brave enough to identify and admit our weaknesses. Fix our weaknesses as quickly as possible, without making excuses,” he said.
He said preparations for the next general election had already begun, with the MyUmno system being rolled out at state level since January and grassroots election war rooms being strengthened.
Election preparation briefings have also been conducted in Johor, Negri Sembilan and Melaka, while a retreat is being planned to bring together Umno Youth members from various levels.
Hafiz said Umno Youth’s number of elected representatives had risen from four to 11 over the past three years.
“This is not just about the numbers getting bigger. It is about the people placing their trust in Umno again when we field young leaders as candidates and offer to serve them,” he said.
He added that whatever direction Umno takes in the future must ultimately strengthen the party, unite the ummah and serve the interests of the people as a whole.
